Contents
1. What is the F-1-D Digital Nomad Visa?
Korea launched the F-1-D digital nomad visa (디지털 노마드 비자) in January 2024, becoming one of the first major Asian economies to offer a dedicated visa for remote workers and location-independent professionals.
The F-1-D allows foreign nationals to live in Korea for up to 1 year (renewable once) while continuing to work for their overseas employer or foreign clients — without needing a Korean employer sponsor. It is the legal way to work remotely from Korea.
F-1-D Key Benefits
- Live in Korea for up to 2 years (1+1 renewal)
- No Korean employer required
- Family can accompany on F-3 dependent visas
- Work for overseas employer/clients freely
- Exempt from Korean income tax on overseas-sourced income
2. Who Can Apply
To qualify for the F-1-D visa, you must meet all of these conditions:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Nationality | Citizen of a country with a visa-free or visa-on-arrival agreement with Korea. Most developed-country passport holders qualify. |
| Income source | Must be employed by or contracting with overseas (non-Korean) companies or clients. Income must come from abroad. |
| Annual income | USD 84,600+ per year (twice Korea's per-capita GNI). Must be verifiable from official income documents. |
| Health insurance | Must have comprehensive health insurance covering Korea, with adequate coverage. |
| Age | 18 years or older |
| No Korean employer | Must NOT be employed by a Korean company during the F-1-D stay |
Who is This Visa For?
- Remote employees working for overseas companies from Korea
- Freelancers and independent contractors with international clients
- Content creators and online business owners with overseas-sourced income
- Digital entrepreneurs running non-Korean business entities
3. Income Requirement
The minimum income requirement for the F-1-D visa is USD 84,600 per year (approximately KRW 110–115 million depending on the exchange rate). This is set at twice Korea's per-capita Gross National Income (GNI) and is updated annually.
Income Must Come from Overseas Sources
The income requirement must be met entirely from foreign (non-Korean) sources. Any income from Korean employers, Korean clients, or Korean-registered businesses does not count and may actually violate the visa conditions.
Accepted Income Proof Documents
- Employment letter from overseas employer stating annual salary
- Recent pay stubs or bank statements showing overseas salary deposits
- Tax return from your home country (last full year)
- Freelance contracts and payment records (bank statements showing international wire receipts)
- For business owners: company financial statements + distribution records
4. Required Documents
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Valid passport | At least 12 months validity from application date |
| Visa application form | Korean immigration F-1-D specific form |
| Passport-size photo | Recent, white background |
| Income proof | Employment letter + recent 3 months pay stubs, OR freelance contracts + bank statements showing USD 84,600+ annualized |
| Tax return (last year) | From your home country; certified translation if not in English or Korean |
| Health insurance certificate | Proof of valid health insurance covering Korea during your stay |
| Employment contract (if employed) | From overseas employer; confirming remote work arrangement |
| Letter confirming remote work | Employer statement confirming you can work remotely from any location |
| Accommodation proof (if available) | Korean accommodation booking or lease; not always required but helpful |
5. Application Process
- Confirm eligibility — Verify your income, overseas employment status, and nationality qualify.
- Gather all documents — Income proof, health insurance, tax return, employment letter. Ensure all foreign documents are translated into Korean if needed.
- Apply at the Korean embassy/consulate — In your home country or current country of residence. Submit the complete document package.
- Wait for processing — Typically 5–15 business days. Some cases may be faster.
- Receive F-1-D visa sticker — Valid for entry within 3 months of issue date.
- Enter Korea — Present your visa at entry.
- Register ARC within 90 days — Apply for your Alien Registration Card at the local immigration office.
Applying from Inside Korea
If already in Korea on a tourist entry, you may apply for Change of Status to F-1-D at the local immigration office, provided you have all documents ready and have not been working illegally while in Korea.
6. Stay Period & Renewal
| Stage | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Initial grant | 1 year | Sojourn period from date of entry |
| Renewal (once) | +1 year | Apply before initial period expires; same income proof needed |
| Maximum stay | 2 years total | After 2 years, must depart before re-applying |
After 2 Years: What Are Your Options?
- Depart and re-apply for a new F-1-D after a break
- If your company has a Korean office, explore D-7 (intra-company transfer)
- If you want to work for a Korean employer, switch to E-7 specialist visa
- If married to a Korean national, consider F-6 marriage visa
7. Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is the income requirement for Korea's digital nomad visa?
Applicants must prove annual income of at least USD 84,600 (approximately KRW 110 million), which is twice Korea's per-capita GNI. Income must be earned from overseas sources — not Korean employers.
Q. Who can apply for the F-1-D digital nomad visa?
Remote workers and freelancers who: (1) are employed by or contracted with overseas (non-Korean) companies or clients, (2) meet the annual income threshold of USD 84,600+, (3) hold valid health insurance, and (4) are citizens of countries with a visa-free agreement with Korea.
Q. How long can I stay in Korea on the F-1-D digital nomad visa?
The F-1-D visa grants an initial 1-year sojourn period. It can be renewed once for another year, allowing a maximum consecutive stay of 2 years. After that, you must leave Korea before re-applying.
Q. Can I work for a Korean company on the F-1-D visa?
No. The F-1-D visa specifically requires that your income comes from overseas (non-Korean) sources. Working for a Korean employer or client violates the visa conditions and may result in cancellation.
Q. Can my family join me on an F-1-D digital nomad visa?
Yes. Your spouse and minor children may accompany you to Korea on F-3 (family accompaniment) visas, allowing them to live in Korea for the duration of your F-1-D stay.
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